Across Virginia, community colleges are on the front lines of workforce development, especially in skilled trades like machining and welding. As industries evolve and regional needs diverge, one challenge has become increasingly clear: a single, one-size-fits-all credential does not always serve students, employers, or communities equally well.
That realization sits at the heart of Blue Ridge Community College’s work to develop a new machining credential in partnership with NBS and FANUC Robotics, a project shaped by years of industry experience, employer feedback, and collaboration across the state.
A Practitioner’s Perspective
Wiley Perry, a veteran welding inspector and skilled trades educator, brings nearly two decades of industry and instructional experience to his role at Blue Ridge. Before joining the college, he worked in high-pressure pipe welding, robotic welding, custom stainless fabrication, research labs, and program management. He has also spent years teaching in evening programs and technical labs across Virginia.
That background proved essential when Blue Ridge set out to design programs that better reflect real-world conditions. “This was an opportunity to create something from scratch,” David Shofstahl explained. In his role as the Dean of Workforce Solutions at Blue Ridge Community College, Shofstahl was determined to build something flexible, relevant, and responsive to local workforce needs.
The Limits of Existing Credentials
For many years, machining programs across Virginia relied on the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentialing system. While NIMS is a strong and respected standard – especially in regions with large manufacturers and high-precision requirements – it does not always align with the realities of rural and small-to-mid-size fabrication shops.
In many parts of Virginia, especially outside major metropolitan areas, employers are not seeking entry-level machinists trained to aerospace-level tolerances. Instead, they need workers with foundational machining knowledge in manual milling, turning, and basic troubleshooting. Skilled, entry-level workers who can support fabrication work, maintain equipment, and grow into more advanced roles over time.
Perry noted. “Our Machining Program is designed to provide employers with someone who understands the machines, can operate them safely, and can adapt.”
Identifying the Missing Middle
What emerged from conversations with employers, advisory boards, and other Virginia community colleges was a clear gap – the need for a “middle ground” credential. Not a shortcut or a watered-down alternative, but a rigorous, authentic program focused on foundational manual machining skills that align with how entry-level work actually happens.
This new credential is not designed to replace NIMS. Instead, it serves as a stepping stone. Students gain hands-on experience and core principles that prepare them for apprenticeships, advanced training, or NIMS certification later without being discouraged at the very beginning.
As Shofstahl described it, students who complete this program would “have a leg up,” entering more advanced pathways with confidence and context rather than starting cold.
Collaboration as the Cornerstone
Developing a new credential is no small task, and Blue Ridge did not do it alone. Working closely with NOCTI/NBS, the college followed a structured, step-by-step ISO-accredited development process that included industry validation, technical committees, and rigorous assessment design. Additionally, representatives from FANUC America, the leader in advanced manufacturing robotics and CNCs, took part in the development process. The outcome was a nationally validated, FANUC-endorsed certification meeting the needs of machining programs across the country.
Industry partners that include global manufacturing leaders played a critical role, lending credibility and ensuring the credential reflects real workforce expectations. The assessment development process itself was thorough, involving the creation and review of more than 150 exam questions to ensure clarity, fairness, and relevance. In addition to the multiple-choice Basic Machining certification test, the Subject Matter Expert team created hands-on performance assessments for Manual Milling and Manual Turning.
Community engagement was equally important. During pilot testing, local employers volunteered their machinists to complete hands-on projects and exams. When early testing revealed challenges related to unfamiliar equipment and environments, the team adapted by bringing assessments directly into employer shops. The result was not only better data, but stronger relationships with industry partners.
Looking Ahead: Partnerships and Impact
The broader impact is clear. With industry-recognized credentials often tied to state and national workforce funding opportunities, new programs like this build a bridge for students across the country. Blue Ridge is also seeing a momentum building for state-wide partnerships, with K-12 technical centers and adult education programs on the horizon. Momentum that other colleges and tech centers can undoubtedly replicate by developing similar programs.
For Shofstahl, the lesson is simple but powerful: innovation starts with permission to dream. “It started with a conversation,” he reflected. “And a big idea.”
Blue Ridge’s work demonstrates what’s possible when educators, industry, and credentialing partners listen closely to community needs and build something new together.
NBS Is Your Certification Development Partner
NBS is proud to improve safety and verify critical skills and knowledge with certification partners like Blue Ridge Community College. As a nationally recognized credentialing body, we can help ensure your certification aligns with industry standards, validates knowledge, and provides an accurate and comprehensive picture of an individual’s technical skills. Please contact us if you have any questions about certification development or our other testing services.
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